Athlete Interview (Parts 1 & 2)

TOURIST - Making of the Album, Short Film 300 | 56 300 | 56
Watch "Wires" Video : high | low high | low
Watch "Half Light" Video 300 | 56 300 | 56


It’s good to have mates.. especially when your mates are in the band Snow Patrol!

British band Athlete have built a steady following in the UK following the release of 2 albums which have garnered some excellent critcal acclaim. First, Snow Patrol supported Athlete on their headlining tour of the UK and now they’re returning the favor bringing Athlete on tour with them across the US. Although scheduled to be here last November, and aside from a New York gig and a showcase at SXSW, this will be the band’s first venture stateside.

We spoke to Carey (bass) this morning about the upcoming tour, and asked him what they’re looking forward to and what they hope to get out of a first tour of the USA.

Its like playing your first gigs all over again. No one has seen you before so it’s exciting. We just got back from doing the same thing in Europe and it’s a lot of fun. We’re looking forward to all the long distance driving and traveling around and seeing the country.

How do you think your second record (Tourist), compares to the first (Animals and Vehicles)?

The first record had quirkier sounds on it. The second is more mature, darker, but not in a depressing way, in a really positive way.

What singles have you released from this record so far?

Wires was first single we released in the UK and next we’re releasing Half Light . Half Light will be the first single in the US. It’s about being on tour and being away from the people you miss which is fitting as we’re about to embark on our first big tour of America.

Do you get any days off during the month long trip?

Not really. While we’re here we’ll be doing as much as we can like appearing on the Jimmy Kimmel show (June 8th), and recording an acoustic set with KCRW (airs June 9th) as well as playing some other radio shows.

Later in the year you’re supporting U2 for a handful of dates in the UK and Holland. How did that all come about?

There are 2 rumors as to how that happened. Rumor 1 is that a Radio 1 producer played Bono our record and Bono made him give the copy. When he asked our label rep for another the label rep said you can’t give them away – they’re watermarked. But I gave it to Bono, he replied. Well that’s alright then! Rumor #2 is that Adam Clayton came to see the band at a gig and enjoyed the show so much he asked for Joel’s (lead singer/guitar) number and asked them to support them.

With rumors like that – who cares about the truth!?

Athlete will be in Atlanta when they open for Snow Patrol at the Tabernacle on June 26th. The show was originally scheduled at The Roxy (which sold out) so get your tickets fast.

For more about the band visit www.athlete.mu

.. Stay tuned for Part 2 when we meet up with the band again in Atlanta!